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PRICE 15 CENTS 



A Scout's Honor 



THE PL 






BUSHING COMPANY 



Successful Rural Plays 

A Strong List From Which to Select Your 
Next Play 

FARM FOIiKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. For five male and six female characters. Time 
of playing, two hours and a half. One simple exterior, two 
easy interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Flora Goodwin, a 
farmer's daughter, is engaged to Philip Burleigh, a young New 
Yorker, Philip's mother wants him to marry a society woman, 
and by falsehoods makes Flora believe Philip does not love her. 
Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by 
intercepting a letter from Philip to Flora. She agrees to marry 
Dave, but on the eve of their marriage Dave confesses, Philip 
learns the truth, and he and Flora are reunited. It is a simple 
plot, but full of speeches and situations that sway an audience 
alternately to tears and to laughter. Price, 25 cents. 

HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two 
hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four 
acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs 
has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter 
Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son 
of the man who has wronged Martin, m.akes love to Ruth Winn. 
She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer. 
When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave 
Ruth. Harold, who does not love sincerely, yields. Ruth dis- 
covers she loves Len, but thinks she has lost him also. Then 
he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. Price 25 cents. 

THE OLD NEW^ HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New 

England Drama in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For seven 
males and four females. Time, two hours and a half. Costumes, 
modern. A play with a strong heart interest and pathos, yet rich 
in humor. Easy to act and very effective. A rural drama of 
the "Old Homstead" and "Way Down East" type. Two ex- 
terior scenes, one interior, all easy to set. Full of strong sit- 
uations and delightfully humorous passages. The kind of a play 
everybody understands and likes. Price, 25 cents. 

THE OI.D DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy 
in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four 
females. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- 
terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money 
from a farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's 
niece, whose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from the 
wiles of the villain and his female accomplice are both starting 
and novel. Price, 15 cents. 

A WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama in 
Five Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and four 
females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 
One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a 
country lad, twice saves the life of a banker's daughter, which 
results in their betrothal. A scoundrelly clerk has the banker 
in his power, but the White Mountain boy finds a way to check- 
mate his schemes, saves the banker, and wins the girl. Price 
15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



A Scout's Honor 

A Play for Boys in One Act 



By 

CLIFTON LISLE 

Author of *' Fair Play,'' ''The Daniel 
Boone Pageant,'' ete. 




PHILADELPHIA 
THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

I 917 



\'^'^ 



'!'')^ ^^ 



Copyright 191 7 by The Penn Publishing Company 



^4 



£)- 



FEB -8 1917 



A Scout's rionor 



iClD 46101. 



A Scout's Honor 



Scouts of the Wolf Patrol 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Tom Winters . a second class Scout of the Lion Patrol 

Harry Bolton . . a te7iderfoot Scout of the Wolf Patrol 

]^LLY Palmer . . a first class Scout of the Lion Patrol, 

Tom'' s great rival for scouting ho?iors 

Ned Smith, patrol leader^ 

*' Monkey" Horner c ^ v ^7 t- • t) * i 

^ ^ \ , . Scouts of the Lion Patrol 

Frank Ranger j -' 

''Fats" McKnight J 

Jack Hawkes, patrol leader 

Earl Grentin 

" Mickey" Owen 

" Lankey " Lewis 

Dick Seaton 

Mr. Harley Scout Master of the 

B acton Troop of Boy Scouts 

Other Scouts in the patrols — as desired. 
Time of Playing. — About forty-five minutes. 

STORY OF THE PLAY 

Tom Winters, a second class Scout and Harry Bolton, a 
tenderfoot, are left in charge of the camp. Tom is jealous 
of Billy Palmer and thinks he is the Scout Master's favorite. 
" Billy's his pet I " Tom deserts his duty and goes off for 
a swim. The Scout Master and the others return. *' Who 
took the bread?" "Fats," the culprit, is pursued and 
punished. *' You've eaten our bread ; now you've got to 
sing. Tune up, dainty little humming-bird." Harry and 
Billy Palmer go to look for Tom. Billy falls in the lake 
and Tom rescues him. The boys make a hero of Tom, but 
he won't have it. '* You don't understand, Mr. Harley. 
You see, I left camp — I deserted. May I start fresh as a 
tenderfoot?" Mr, Harley's decision: '< Take your medi- 
cine, Tom, old man, since you want to, and we'll call it 
quits." 



COSTUMES AND DIRECTIONS 

For costumes consult the Official Handbook for Boys, 
published by the Boy Scouts of America, National Head- 
quarters, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City, and sold in 
all bookstores. 

The boys wear the regulation scout summer uniform- 
hat, khaki shirt and shorts, brown stockings and belts, with 
haversacks, hatchets, scout staves, etc. 

Mr. Harley wears regulation Scout Master's uniform — 
shorts and stockings, if desired. 

The Scout Salute:— The scout salute is executed by 
bringing the right hand to the forehead as in the regular 
military salute. The thumb is held upon the nail of the 
little finger, according to the Official Handbook for Boys. 

The Patrol Cries :_The cry of the Lion Patrol is 
** Eu-ugh ! " The cry of the Wolf Patrol is " How-oooo ! " 

The Fire-Drill -.—The fire-drill consists of a bow, drill, 
fire-pan and tinder. Directions for making fire-drills and 
their proper use are to be found in the Official Handbook 
for Boys, as published by National Headquarters, Boy 
Scouts of America, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York. Com- 
plete fire-drills can be purchased ready-made at National 
Headquarters, if desired. 

Tent Pitching : — The tents of the Lion and Wolf 
Patrols can be easily pitched on the stage by the use of half 
a dozen nails or curtain-cord hooks instead of real pegs. 
The nails may be driven into the stage or into boards laid 
on the stage before the performance commences. On set- 
ting up the tents, the loops at the bottom need only -be 
hooked over the nails. While this is being done, the Scouts 
can make a pretense of driving real pegs into the ground. 

The Fireplace : — The fireplace can be made more ef- 
fective if it contain real wood ashes among the logs. A 
good plan is to have an electric light bulb painted red and 
concealed under the ashes and small sticks. Then when 
the boy works his fire-drill and begins to get some smoke, 
the red light may be made to glow among the ashes. This 
will save the danger of attempting a real fire on the stage 
and at the same time, if properly done, will produce an 
effect of the utmost fealism. 



PROPERTIES 

Two shelter tents. Scout staves, three for each tent and, 
at least, three to be arranged in a tripod. American flag on 
staff, scout flag on stafl", small drum, bugle, first aid kit. 
Pair of swimming tighls. Pots, pans, mess kits, plates, iron 
kettle and chain. Bread, cans of beans and a few potatoes. 
If these costumes and properties are not all available, the 
boys' usual camping pack and togs will serve as well — 
jerseys, rough breeches, etc. 



SCENE PLOT 



V/OOD OR LAKEVIEW DROP 




LION TENT WOLF TENT 



WOOD WOOD 

LOGS OR ROCHSr^ 
WINGS FIREPLACE 




A Scout's Honor 



SCENE. — The lakeside camp of the B acton Troop on the 
afternoon of their arrival. Wood or lake drop showing 
distant view. Wood wings. A very satisfactory effect 
may be had by dressing the stage with bushes and green 
plants, omitti?ig the drop or substituting a plain greeti, 
white or blue curtain for it. Up r., a shelter tent tied 
in a roll and lying on the ground with staves near by. 
Up L., a second shelter tent, rolled and with its staves 
near by. Centre back, a tripod of scout staves with 
American flag on a longer staff iti the midst. The scout 
flag is set in the group, so that it hangs some^vhat below 
the national colors. From the tripod hang a small drum^ 
a bugle, first aid kit, etc. Down R., small sticks set to 
represent a '■^ hunter^ s fireplace.^'' Near by are pans, 
cooking kits, kettle, etc. Over the fireplace is hung ati 
iron pot. Down r. and l., large logs or rocks placed 
here and there to serve as rough seats. 

{The curtain rising discloses Tom Winters seated down 
R. c, and Harry Bolton seated down r., both by the 
fireplace. They are cleaning and polishing cooking uten- 
sils by dipping them in the iroft pot and burnishing them 
with coarse cloths.) 

Tom. Say, Harry, call this fun ? Hike your legs off 
getting here, then put to work, M^iile the others have a 
good time ! No swimming or anything. Gee- whiz ! 

{Rubs at frying-pan rather lazily^ 

Harry. Isn't much fun, Tom, you're right. Still, 
somebody has to guard camp. {Rubs pot vigorously.') 
We'll get all the swimming we want to-morrow, after we've 
settled down a bit. I say, wasn't Mr. Harley mad when 

7 



8 A scout's honor 

Billy sneaked off for some milk without asking leave ! Mr. 
Harley said 

I'oM. Was that what the fuss was about ? What did he 
say to Billy? Can him next time, or what? 

Harry. Oh, gave him a talking to. Couldn't hear 
what he said, but Mr. Harley looked mad enough to bite. 
Put a handful of wood ash into the pot, Tom ; it makes 
dandy lye to clean the dishes wdth. 

Tom. Same old bluff! Funny vi^e have to stay here, 
though, like dirty sea- cooks, and Billy free to go with the 
bunch. That's Mr. Harley's way, all right ! Can you 
beat it ? Never saw him really punish his dear Billy yet, 
did you ? 

Harry. Billy Palmer's a pretty good Scout. You 
know he's 

Tom. What's the use of being good ? A fellow does as 
he's told and tries to keep the scout law, then look what 
happens ! Has to fool with a lot of dirty pots and pans 
and stick in camp ! No fair, I say ! 

Harry. Isn't any fun. Wonder when they'll be back? 
Billy said they'd bring a spread for sure. He said 

Tom. Billy Palmer's the guy that ought to be here 
'stead of us 1 He does what he likes and gets made a first 
class, while I do as I'm told and get all the dirty work. 
Bet you the gang's in swimming this very minute ! Mr. 
Harley, too. No favorites, eh I No, 1 guess not. 

(Rises and goes up l., looking off.) 

Harry. You wouldn't say that to Mr. Harley. You 

Tom {coming down c). Course 1 wouldn't. Think I'm 
nutty? Mr. Harley's falling over himself all the same try- 
ing to keep his dear Billy near him. With nothing but 
Billy this and Billy that, I'm sick of the v.'hole mess. Good 
mind to quit scouting, anyway ! (Goes L.) 

Harry (rising). Oh, come off. Billy's a good Scout ! 
That's why Mr. Harley likes him. First class ahead of 
you, Tom, and look how small he is ! Guess he is his pet, 
though. 

Tom. Course he's his pet ! That's why he's a first 
class ahead of me. Always grinding at something or other. 
Gee-whiz ! I wonder how he ever had enough pep to sneak 
off this afternoon? Guess he thought Mr. Harley wouldn't 
say much. 



A SCOUT S HONOR 9 

Harry. Made a mistake, if he did. Mr. Harley laid 
into him good and heavy. 

Tom. Just to impress us. I see through all that. Sup- 
pose 1 had just slipped off on the sly ? 

Harry. Then you'd have caught it instead of Billy, 
that's all. 

Tom. Oh, yes. I know how it would be if he caught 
me. Old Man Harley'd get solemn as a hoot owl and say 
that every time I broke the scout law it hit the troop even 
more than it did me. Same old bluff! 

Harry. Well, it would hurt the troop, you know, Tom. 
I'm not a sissy, but all the same what's the use of having a 
law and oath if we don't live up to them? Billy Pal- 
mer 

Tom. So you've hit the sawdust trail, too, have you, 
Hal ? Well, all tenderfoots have to do it sooner or later. 
You'll get over it by and by. 1 did. 

Harry {lioivn c). I haven't hit any trail, but I do think 
scouting means something besides having fun. Mr. Harley 
says that 

Tom {iiown l.). Hal, you sure do get my 'goat ! So 
you're another Harley's darling? Wings sprouted yet? 

Harry {gouig r., rubbing at the pan he holds). You 
certainly have some sense of humor, Tom. Keep it up ! 
You will soon be almost as funny as Fats McKnight ! 

Tom (^goifig c). May be funny, but I'm not a fool! 
Don't let Mr. Harley put it over on you, Hal, with the 
sister Susie, mollycoddle sort of guff! Afraid to smoke 
now, 1 suppose? Not even corn-silk? Can you 

Harry. No, I'm not afraid to smoke, but 1 don't in- 
tend to do it. 

Tom. Bolton, you're a quitter, that's what you are, A 
quitter! So long! {Starts up i..) I'm going swimming. 
I'm 

Harry. Oh, no, you're not ! Mr. Harley said we were 
to take charge of camp and not stir till he came back. 
Quitter yourself! 

Tom {turnifig and facing Harry). Go easy there! 
Don't get too flip, you tenderfoot ! Seeing how sanctified 
you are, you won't mind finishing this stuff? Doing your 
little good turn daily {Looks off l.) 

Harry {^oing c). You don't dare leave this camp I 
Mr. Harley said especially 



10 A SCOUT S HONOR 

Tom {up L.). Don't dare, is it? Well, smarty, I do 
dare ! You can't stop me or Mr. Harley, either ! I'll 
show 

Harry {down c). You mean you'll quit on duty, 
you'll 

Tom. I mean I'll do as I like. I'm not a sissy like you 
or a pet like Billy Palmer ! Ta ! Ta ! (Tom crosses to 
Lion tent J up r., and picks up a pair of bathing tights. 
Turns once more toward Harry.) Take good care of 
everything, tenderfoot, while I'm gone ! You'll tell on me, 
of course, for a Scout is loyal and must go back on his 
friends ! Great dope to squeal on a chum, believe me ! 

Harry (jio7vn c). You're deserting, Tom, I suppose 
you know that ? The law says 

Tom. You're as bad as Billy Palmer with your everlast- 
ing preaching about the law says this and the oath says that. 
You give me a pain ! 

{Exit up R., whistling defiantly.') 

Harry {going up l. c. a^id calling off). Don't be a fool, 
Tom. You know you can't go ! Come back and show a 
little sense, can't - ■' .- 

(Tom reenters up "&.) 

Tom. Can't go, eh? What's to stop me going ? You? 

Harry {up l. c.). Keep your shirt on, you gump ! 
You talk like a teapot ! The fellows are working just as 
hard as we are, lugging all that stuff up from the village. 
Harder, I should say. If you go, you're crazy. It means 
you'll get the sack for sure ! You know the rules ! 

Tom {up R. c). Hang the rules ! I said I 

Harry. Then what did you work so hard to be a second 
class for, if you are going to chuck it all? Be a sport, 
Tom ! Mr. Harley hates a quitter, and that's just what 
you are, if you leave now. You're a 

Tom {stepping to the flags up c. , and tapping lightly on 
the drmn). When I say a thing, I generally mean it. Get 
that? I said I was going and I am. I don't care shucks 
for the Scouts and I 

Harry. You're a fine example of loyalty, 

Tom. You poor fish, none of the big fellows keep the 
law behind his back ! Didn't you know that? How about 



A SCOUT S HONOR II 

a swim now? I won't tell. Come on! He won't ever 
know ! 

Harry (cot?ting doivn l. ). I'm not going to leave this 
camp, and you know it ! Mr. Harley left us in charge and 
I'm going to stick ! I'm not playing crooked and that's 
just what you 

Tom {coming down l. c. toward Harry, as if to fight). 
Take that back ! Do you hear ? Take that back or I'll 

Harry. No, I won't take it back, either, and you can't 
make me ! You big bully ! You agreed to the scout oath 
of your own accord and now you boast that you break it ! 
What's that but being crooked, I'd like 

Tom. Say that again and I'll smash your head ! 

Harry. 1 can't help it. It's true ! You're lots bigger 
than I am, Tom, but I'm not afraid of you, not the least 
bit, I'm not. You're a rotten Scout, that's what you are, 
if you go off and leave camp against the rules. That's de- 
serting, that's a quitter's 

Tom. So I'm a liar, eh? Rotten, am I? You little 
spy ! We'll settle this later ! I'm going now before it gets 
too late. You low-down 

Harry. You're not going to leave this camp ! 

Tom. I'm not? Hoighty-toighty ! 

Harry. No, you're not. I'll 

Tom. We'll see about that, you little squealer ! That's 
all he left you here for, anyway — to keep tab on 

Harry. Who's squealing ? Fm not ! Can't you see 
we're on duty? I'll lick you if you try to go! Can't 
you 

Tom. You'll lick me, will you? Suppose you, try? 
You and Billy Palmer are some Scouts — telling tales and 
getting Mr. Harley to make first class Scouts out of you. 

{Pushes Harry.) 

Harry. That's a lie ! You know it 

Tom. What 1 {Spri?igs at Harry and strikes him. 
They fight and Harry is knocked down.') Stop me, would 
you? Learn whoai you're trying to tackle, kid, before you 
sling that word around so free and easy ! Now run and 
tell. 

{^Exit Tom up r., whistling defiantly. Harry gets up^ 

rubbing his jaw.) 



12 A SCOUTS HONOR 

Harry {goi?igup r. and calling after To^C). You'll be 
sorry ! You big bully, you ! {Shakes his head and returns 
down c, pausing a mome?it to blow softly into the bugle, 
then comes down K., sits and conwie?ices his cleaning, 
speaking to himself as he rubs his jaw. ^ Gee! Doesn't 
much pay to interfere, even if he didn't hit half as hard as 
he could ! Guess it wasn't any of my business, anyway. 
{Stops work; goes up l. ; looks off; listetis a moment.) 
Poor fish ! {Looks off k.) Canned this time, all right. 
'I'he troop's coming back already ! He's hardly reached 
the water yet. My eye ! Tom sure is some jealous of 
Billy Palmer! {Comes down k.) 

{Distant shouts are heard off l., theii singing, slowly grow- 

ing louder,^ 

The Troop {heard singing off \.., to the tune of ^^ Auld 
Lang Syfie.^') 

" There was a farmer had two sons, 
And these two sons were brothers, 
Bohunkus was the name of one, 
Josephus was the other's." 

{Enter the troop, L., still sifiging, Mr. Harley in their 
midst attempting to beat time with his hands, though 
carrying a large armful of fire-wood.^ 

The Troop. 

** Now these two boys had suits of clothes, 
That were for wear on Sunday, 
Bohunkus wore his all the week, 
Josephus his on Monday." 

( The troop stop singing with a shout and scatter about the 
camp. Some pile wood near the fireplace, others open 
the haversacks and take out loaves of bread, catis of beans, 
etc. Some begin to unroll the two tefits preparatory to 
setting them up. Mr. H. begins to chop wood.) 

Mr. H. {coming down c). Hullo, Harry, camp all 
right? 

Harry. Yes, sir I {Salutes.') 

Mr. H. {acknowledging salute). Good ! Now then. 
Monkey Horner, where are you ? Shake a leg ! Thought 
you wanted to know how to use an axe properly ? Hey, 



A SCOUT S HONOR I3 

Monkey, get a wiggle on you ! I can't wait here all night. 
Monkey Horner ! 

Monkey Horner {crawling about near the Lion tent). 
Coming, sir, coming, fast as I can, but I can't find my 
tights ! Left them right here by the tent roll. Somebody's 
hooked them i {Salutes Mr. H.) 

Mr. H. {acknowledging salute). Never mind the tights ! 
Can't chop wood with tights. Axes are what we mostly 
use in Bacton Troop ! 

(Monkey comes down r. Members of troop busy r. a^id 
L., leaving c. of stage clear.) 

' Monkey. I'm ready, sir. Fire away ! Oh, let me 
show you, will you ? Billy Palmer told me how. 

{Takes axe and cuts wood^ Mr. H. correcting him from 
time to time. As he ivorks, Monkey sings softly, as to 
himself. ) 

''Now these two boys a-courting went, 
Upon a lady fair, 
Bohunkus sat upon the floor, 
Josephus took a chair." 

Ned Smith {hu filing l. aftd down L. ). Say, you Lions, 
what the deuce have you done with the bread ? I can't find 
it anywhere. Seen anything of it, Frank ? 

Frank Ranger {up r.). Search me, Ned, not a crumb, 
I haven't. I lugged the beans. Trust yours truly to bring 
home the bacon ! Heavy they were, too. Enough to sink 
a ship. Fats better not eat any, then go swimming ! 

(Mr. H. goes L.) 

Fats McKnight {up c). Ain't that funny ! Ha ! Ha ! 
{Comes down c. ) Say, you guys think you're awful smart, 
don't you ? Bet I can float when you'll sink! In fresh 
water, too ! 

■X7,..^r.r' [ Course you can ! Too fat to sink ! 
r rank, j "' 

Ned. All fat people float. They're full of blubber, you 
know, like whales ! 

Monkey {stopping work for a moment). Some whale 
you are, Fats ! Glad we pitched camp well above the water 
mark. We'd be drowned for sure, if you went in, the water 
would rise so high ! Good-night ! 



14 A scout's honor 

Fats. Ain't that funny ! {Sarcastically,^ Ha ! Ha ! 
You almost make me crack a rib, you're all so smart ! 

Mr. H. {down l.). Quit your kidding, fellows, and get 
some work done. It'll be dark the next thing and nothing 
ready. Hey there, Ned, and you, Jack, why don't you 
both tend to business and get the tents up ? What's our 
motto for, anyway ? 

Fats. Be Prepared — {aside) to eat ! 

(^Goes stealthily up c, opens his coat and takes out loaf of 
bread. Unseen by the others, he sits down near the flags 
and munches away with great signs of enjoyme?it.) 

Ned. Just was going to. Give a fellow a chance, Mr. 
Harley. 

Monkey {chopping and si?iging). 

*' Now these two boys to the theatre went, 
Whenever they saw fit, 
Bohunkus in the gallery sat, 
Josephus in the pit." 

{^The Scouts of each patrol unroll the shelter tents and set 
about putting them j/p by mea?is of three staves to each 
tent. While working. Scouts may pass off stage and on 
again.) 

Lankey Lewis {up l.). Hey there, Ned, I have some 
bread. Trade you a hunk for a piece of cake? Be a good 
patrol leader. Don't let your Lions starve ! Where's the 
peg for this rope got to ? 

Mickey Owen (l.). No ! me, Ned, me first ! I was just 
going to ask the very same of you this minute ! Wasn't J, 
Dicky ? 

Dick Seaton (l,, taking up a can of beans). Hand me 
the can opener, can't you, Mickey ? Yes, the can opener, 
of course ! What do you suppose I'd open this with ? 

Mickey {sweetly). Sure, Dicky, me laddy buck, I 
thought perhaps ye'd use the foine thin edge of your timper ! 
It's that sharp. Here's your peg, Lankey. 

Earl Grentin (l.). That's a good one, Mickey ! You 
hit him there all right ! Now, Seaton, you'll be good, I 
hope. Open the can with the foine thin edge of your tim- 
per ! Mickey, me darlin', ye're a genius. 

Ned (r., searching here and there in haversacks, etc.). 



A scout's honor 15 

Where has the bread got to ? It must be in camp some- 
where. Quit fooling, fellows, it's getting late. Can't you 
even get the tent up ? 

(^Exit up R.) 

Jack Hawkes. The Wolves have theirs all right. One 
good thing. Hey, Earl, ask Mr. Harley for his axe, will 
you, when Monkey's done using it? I fen the axe next, 
Mr. Harley ! Our tent is almost ready except for the peg- 
ging- 

Mr. H. Righto ! In just a minute, Jack. Where s 

Billy Palmer? 

Billy {coming down, saluting). Here. How's Monkey 
doing with his axe work? 

Mr. H. {dck7iowledging salute). Pretty fair. He's 

Monkey {ending his singi?ig'). 'Mn the pit." Say, 
Billy, I've passed all right ! Now I only need cooking and 
I'll be a second class. How long did it take you ? Not 
long, 1 bet ! 

Mr. H. Hold your horses there. Monkey ! I only said 
I'd give you a chance to pass in the morning. You'll flunk 
out most probably, you know. 

Monkey {doivn r.). Same thing as to-night, sir! 
Good as passed already. 

Billy. Don't fool yourself! Wait and see what he 
makes you do ! 

Monkey {down r.). Oh, I should worry! Can't catch 
me on knife and hatchet, no siree bob ! Besides, you 
coached me, so if I flunk, you're to blame ! See, Mr. First 
Class Scout, Billy Palmer? That'll take some of the con- 
ceit out of you ! 

Mr. H. All right. Monk, that'll do. Now go help Ned 
find the Lions' bread. I hear them roaring about it. 
Maybe you had better help with the tents, though. Hurry 
them up ! 

Monkey {saluting and going up r., sifiging^ 

" Now these two boys they came to die, 
May their bones lie in rest. 
Bohunkus died of cholera, 
Josephus by request." 

Fats {up c, aside'). There's a time to fight and a time 
to run. Guess I'll get a move on or mine'll be by request I 



1 6 A scout's honor 

(^Exit Fats, l., on hands and knees, stuffing bread into his 
mouth. The other Scouts finish putting up the tents and 
begin to fix them for the night.') 

(^Enter Ned up r.) 

Ned (sti// looking for the bread). Say, you Lions, roar 
a bit ! It may scare up the bread. Got that tent up yet? 
That's the stuff ! 

{The Lions roar, giving their patrol cry.) 

Jack (up l.). Wolves! The Lions roar after their 
bread. Let's show 'em how to make a real noise. One, 
tvvo, three ! 

( The Wolves give their patrol cry.) 

Mr. H. (down c). Billy, here a minute. I've some- 
thing — — 

Frank {up c). Tally-ho ! Gone away ! I've hit the 
trail! I've 

Scouts. Where ? Who ? etc. 

Frank {up c). Fats has hooked the bread ! See the 
crumbs here by the flags! Oh, the blubber hog ! He's 
eaten it all by now, I bet ! 

Ned (l.). Dead or alive ! My cake to the fellow who 
gets him ! All out for the Fats chase ! The cake to the 
winner ! 

Jack. The Wolves'll help ! Roar, fellows ! ( Wolves 
roar.) Wolves are better trackers than Lions any day ! 
Hurrah for Ned's cake ! 

{The Scouts drop their 7vork about the tents and rush 

to Frank up c. ) 

Mr. H. (down r., blowing whistle). Not so loud ! no- 
body's deaf! What's up? 

Scouts {shouting). Fats McKnight ! 

( They all rush down c. and L. ) 

Lankey. Dead or alive ! 

Mr. H. Fats has made off with the bread, has he? 
Serves you right for teasing him. Hey, Ned, you try to 
catch him — and you, Mickey. Only you two, mind ! The 
rest of you fellows get to work ! Make it snappy ! Now 



A SCOUT S HONOR 1 7 

then, cooks for to-night, see to the grub ! Signalers, prac- 
tice a bit before supper ! We'll watch the soldiers signaling 
in the morning over at the post across the lake. They'll 
show us a wrinkle or two, I bet ! 

(^Exeunt y up l., Ned and Mickey, saluting Mr. H., as 
they follotv Fats' trail of crumbs.^ 

Lankey. That's no fair ! Fats has the bread and 
Mickey'U get the cake ! 

Mu. H. Lankey, you practice first aid bandaging on 
Monkey Horner for a while. It'll take your mind off your 
supper a bit ! 

Harry (r.). Shut up ! Get to work, Lankey ! 

Dick (l.). Not for you, Harry, he won't. You're not 
his patrol leader !. 

Jack (coming down L. c). Well, I am, Dick. Does 
that suit you ? Come on, fellows, do as Mr. Harley says. 

{JDuring folloiving dialogue two Scouts set about collecting 
the food from the haversacks , etc. Another pokes at the 
fireplace and starts to work at his fire-drill to produce a 
flame from friction. — If a real fire be possible on the 
stage y so much the better. — Four Scouts go to the rear 
and send messages to each other, using their arms as 
semaphore signals. Lankey and Monkey practice various 
ba?idaging stunts with large triangular bandages , splints^ 
etc.) 

Billy {coming down c). That's the talk. Jack ! {Sa- 
lutes.) You said you wanted me, Mr. Harley. I'm cookee 
to-night, helping Harry Bolton, you know. 

Mr. H. [down r., acknowledging salute). Oh, yes, 
Billy, I was forgetting. It's about the signal tower. You 
can go the semaphore over forty a minute. It's only fair 
you should be in charge of the signalers. Those four are 
doing pretty well ! {Points to the Scouts^ who are sending 
messages to each other.) Let's have a look at the saplings 
for the scaffolding. 

Billy. I'm supposed to be getting supper with Harry. 
He's cook and I'm cookee. Could Tom Winters go ? He's 
mighty good at signaling. 

Mr. H. All right ; that's good, Billy. Stick to your 
work. I'd have asked Tom in the first place, only I was 
afraid he might be too tired. That's why I left him in 



i8 A scout's honor 

camp while we went for the grub this afternoon. Tom'll do 
very well. Hey there, Tom ! Rested yet? Tom Winters ! 
Anybody know where Tom's got to? Sneaked off with 
Fats' trailers, 1 bet. Must have been awfully tired ! You'll 
do, Grentin. Let Dick cut the Wolves* bread. Three can 
signal all right. Come along. We'll pick out the trees 
and be back in five minutes. Keep at it, fellows ! Get that 
head bandage on right, Lankey, while you're at it ! 

(Billy sits on log down l.) 

Earl (up 1..^ saluti?ig). Righto! Here, Dick, take the 
knife. Catch ! Don't maul it all up that way, Holy 
Mike ! Cut it nice and even, like 1 was doing — with the 
foine thin edge of your timper, if you want to ! It's sharper 
than any knife. Ha ! Missed me that time ! 

(^Exeunt l., Mr. H., afid Earl, r., the latter dodging a 
piece of crust thrown at hitn by DiCK, who has stopped 
signaling and beguti to cut the bread into rough hunks.') 

Dick. Never hear the end of that joke, I guess. Some 
humor, Mickey has ! Punch him in the slats pretty soon ! 

{^Sits down l. and cuts bread. Harry comes down l. and 
joins Billy. They sit on log down l., a pail of pota- 
toes between them.) 

Billy. Want any help, Harry, with the 'taters? You're 
boss; what'll I do? 

Harry. Why, sure, Billy ! Pitch in, if you want to. 
Billy. Righto ! Sling me a few. 

( They peel potatoes. ) 

Harry. Say, Billy, is it hard to be a first class Scout? 

Bil[-Y. What do you mean, Hal ? Naturally, you've 
got to work some to get there. 

Harry. Oh, I know that all right; but is it hard to do 
all the extra stuff? Mr. Harley's always telling you to do 
this, that or the other. 

Billy. Well, it does mean work. But it's fun to get 
ahead. That's why Mr. Harley gives me so much to do. 
Guess you fellows think I'm his pet, don't you ? Eh ? 

Harry. Oh, no, we don't. That is, leastways, 1 don't, 
I — 



A SCOUT S HONOR I9 

Billy. Yes, you do, Harry, old top. I see how you 
feel. Don't crawl ! 

Harry. I'm not trying to crawl. I'm only 

Billy. Oh, yes, you are. You think I'm his pet, all 
right. So does Tom Winters. He's jealous as a June bug ! 
Mad because we kept so even as tenderfoots and second 
class till I got a wee bit ahead as a first class. Poor simp ! 
He's as quick at signaling and can beat me in most all 
athletics ! Still he's jealous ! 

Harry. Guess he is, a little bit. Awful temper, too ! 

{^Rubs his Jaw.) 

Billy. Sure, he is. He thinks I'm Mr. Harley's pet 
because I have to work twice as hard as he does. Tom's all 
right, but he'd be a lot better liked if he weren't so surly at 
times. Chuck me another 'tater, Hal. Thanks ! Tom 
should worry 1 Why, he'll be a first class in no time and 
beat me hollow at merit badges I Still he's awful sore at 
me now. 1 can't help it ! 

Harry. Say, Billy, I'm a bit worried about Tom. He's 
not running after Fats, you know. 

Billy. He isn't ? 

Harry. No. We scrapped a bit and he left camp just 
before you fellows came back with the grub. Not two min- 
utes before. Guess he must have heard you singing and 
got scared. He's been gone more than half an hour now. 
Wonder where he is ? 

Billy. Where he is ? Didn't he say why he left ? Not 
gone swimming ? What? 1 hope 

Harry. I didn't ask him. He cracked me one on the 
jaw and left, the big bully ! But he's not chasing Fats, I 
* know that much ! 

Billy. What did he say ? What was the trouble about ? 
You must 

Harry. I'd hate to tell on him. But something may 
be wrong. He's been gone an awful long time. 

Billy. Bet he's swimming, and you know all about it ! 
Why didn't you report to Mr. Harley or Ned ? 

Harky. I'm no peacher, squealing on a fellow. What 
do you take me for, anyway ? A Scout is loyal ! 

Billy (risins[). Loyal to what ? To Tom ? How about 
the troop ? You're a fine Scout ! 

Harry (rising). 1 don't know what is the right thing 



20 A SCOUT S HONOR 

to do, Billy, honest I don't. I know I should think of the 
troop, but all the same it's a dirty trick to squeal on a fel- 
low. Tom called me a sneak, but I'm not one, so I've kept 
mum. I've 

Billy. Reporting on duty isn't squealing. Besides, 
Tom hit you ! You should have told. You should 
have 

Harry. Hit me ? What the deuce has that got to do 
with it ? Think I'd tell that ! Guess you're right about 
reporting the deserting, though. 1 didn't see it just like 
that before. Squealing' s a low, mean trick, I say, duly or 
no duly ! 

Billy. Being a Scout isn't the easiest thing in the world, 
and you ought to have reported whether you liked the job 
or not. Tom deserted while on duty ! 

Harry {looking off r.). Here comes Mr. Harley now. 
Guess I'll have to tell him about Tom. 

Billy. Get the idea you're squealing out of your head,- 
Hal. You're only helping the troop. 

{Enter Mr. H. and Earl, r. Mr, H. comes down r.) 

Earl. All right, sir, I'll chop the two lower ones first 
thing in the morning. Billy Palmer can take the other two. 

{Salutes and joins the other Scouts^ L. Harry goes R.) 

Mr. H. {acknowledging salute). I think they'll do all 
right. Hullo! Hal, what do you want? Finished the 
potatoes ? 

Harry {saluting). Almost, Mr. Harley. Mr. Harley, 
can I hunt up Tom Winters ? He's not chasing Fats. 
It's most supper time. Can 1 ? 

Mr. H. May you ? Will you hurry right back ? 

Harry. May I ? I'll be right back. 

Billy {coming c. and saluting Mr. H.). I'll go, too, if 
you don't mind, Mr. Harley. W^e won't be long. Just 
find Tom and be back in a jiffy. He must be wandering 
about somewhere near. 

Mr. H. All right. I see the potatoes are finished. 
Hustle off now, and as you go, tell Ned and Mickey to 
quit mauling Fats. They've caught him, it seems. 

Billy. Righto ! 

Harry. Thanks, Mr. Harley ! Come on, Billy, beat it ! 



A SCOUT S HONOR 21 

(^Exetmt Harry and Billy, r., saluting Mr. H. as they 
go. Mr. H. (iow/i R. ; sits by the fireplace.) 

Jack (^saluting). Is it time to begin cooking, Mr. Har- 
ley ? The grub is all ready. 

Dick (l., showing hunks of bread). Never saw bread 
cut like that before, did you, Mr. Harley ? 

Mr. H. Never did, Dick, that's a fact ! 

{Scouts stop signaling, first aiding, etc. Coffie down and 

gather round.) 

Lankey. I'm hungry as a bearcat, and hollow as a 
kettle-drum ! Bandaging is hard work. What did you cut 
it with, Dicky, a knife or the foine thin edge of your timper? 

Dick. Shut up, Lankey, before I make you ! 

Earl. You should see the trees for the signal tower, 
Jack. There's one hickory 

Frank. Anybody lend me a knife ? 

Monkey. Here's mine, Frank. Sharp as an icicle on 
the Fourth of July ! How's this head bandage, Mr. Harley ? 
Triangular, you know. {Shows bandage.) 

Mr. H. Pretty good, Monkey. Might be a bit more 
smooth, though. Here they come with Fats ! 

{^E liter Ned and Mickey, l., dragging Fats by the collar. 
His mouth is full of bread. They bring him down c.) 

Ned {salutin°[). Caught in the act ! What'U we do 
with him, Mr. Harley ? 

Mickey {saluting). I grabbed hoult of his hind leg 
first ! The cake is mine by all right, isn't it, Mr. Harley ? 
1 got to him first. 

Lankey. Told you so ! It should have been mine. 

Ned. It's Mickey's ! Hey, fellows, what'U we do to 
Fats? 

Scouts {shouting). Duck him in the lake ! Put him 
on bread and water for a week ! Give him the paddles ! 
Make him sing us a song ! 

{Scouts form a line and put Fats through the paddles, 
amid frantic cheers. ) 

Mr. H. That's all right now ! He's had enough ! 
{From here to speech ^ Harry, on page 2j, beginning, 



22 A SCOUTS HONOR 

*^ Help ! Quick r^ 7nay be omitted ^ if preferred.') Make 
him pay the rest by singing a song ! Stop the paddles, fel- 
lows, that's enough ! 

Ned. All right ! Get up, Fats ! You've eaten our 
bread, now you have to sing I Tune up, dainty little hum- 
ming-bird ! Sing well, or we'll paddle you more ! 

Jack. Short and sweet, tom-tit, we're hungry. Make 
it snappy ! 

Lankey. Let him swallow first or he'll choke. Can't 
you see he's full of bread ? 

Monkey. Don't be bashful, little warbler ! Don't blush 
behind the ears ! In love? Don't mumble your words ! 

Earl. Sing sweetly, child, or {chatitiiig) *' In the water 
you shall go, you shall go, you shall go, in the water you 
shall go, you " 

Fats. Shut up, you fellows ! What'U I sing? Must I, 
Mr. Harley? 

Mr. H. Surely, Fats. You stole the bread, you must 
pay the piper. 

Fats. Oh, well, I got the bread, anyway. That's the 
main thing ! Here goes ! {Sings in a high^ shrill voice 
conirastifig with his great bulk. ) 

"There was a farmer had two sons. 

And " 

Scouts (interrupting him with cat-calls and shouts'). 
Get the hook ! Can it ! Something new ! Duck him ! 
Paddle him ! Listen to the nightingale ! Get the hook ! 

Mr. H. {sitting on log, down l.). Quit, fellows ! Quit, 
I say ! Go on, Fats ! You'll be a Caruso yet ! 

Fats. Give a fellow a chance, can't you ! {Sings.) 

**Now these two boys they joined the Scouts, 
And worked to lick creation, 
Bohunkus kept the first aid kit, 
Josephus cooked the ration ! " 

(Shouts of applause from Mr. H. afid the Scouts, rattle of 

pa?is, etc.) 

Scouts. Go to it ! Yea, Fats ! Fats ! Fats ! Hurrah 
for the poet ! Yea, Fats ! 



A scout's honor 23 

Fats (singing). 

"Now these two boys they took some tests, 
And passed them in the summer, 
Bohunkus was a bughng Scout, 
Josephus was a drummer ! " 

Scouts {amid great cheering and laughter'). Best ever, 
Fats ! Keep her rolling ! Go to it ! 

Mr. H. That's all right, Fats ! Go on ! 

Fats. That's all I've done so far. Give you more 
to-morrow I 

Ned. Bully for you, old Fats, me darling ! I never 
thought you had it in you ! How the deuce did you make 
them up? 

Mickey {dropping his cake and slapping Fats 071 the 
back). I said the Irish in ye would out regardless I The 
paddling brought it out ! 

Monkey. You done noble, Fats ! You sure done noble ! 

{Shouts heard off r. Enter Harry, breathless. Comes 

down R.) 

Harry. Help ! Quick ! Billy's drowned ! Oh, Mr. 

Harley, Tom Winters 

Mr. H. What's that? Where? Who did you say ? 

(Mr. H. jumps up, unbuttoning his coat. Scouts drop 
their work atid gather round.) 

Harry. Billy Palmer ! He fell off the landing into 
deep water ! Tom went right 

Mk.^H. {throwing off coat). Come on, fellows ! Quick! 
Harry, get a blanket and follow us ! Ned, you make a 
coat stretcher ! You help him. Earl ! Did you try artifi- 
cial 

{Exit Mr. H., up r. Scouts follow, except Harry ^«^ 

Fats.) 

Harry. Hey, there ! Fats ! Don't you run, too ! 
Help me find a blanket, can't you ! Unroll that pack ! 

Fats. Drowned, is he ? Gee-whitaker ! I'm going to 
run see 1 

(Exit, up R., panting.) 



24 A SCOUT S HONOR 

Harry. That's a nice trick ! Can't you help a fellow? 
Hey, Fats, I say ! {Rushes about, grabs a blanket from a 
roll and starts to follow the others. Shouts and loud talk- 
ing are heard in the wiiigs, up r. Enter Scouts, v.., all talk- 
ing at otice. Mr. H. atid Tom are supporting Billy 07i 
either side. Billy and Tom have ivet and bedraggled hair, 
as if Just come from the water. ^ How is he? Here are a 
couple of blankets ! {Throws them aroundToM and BihL.Y. 
If this be dofie Just as they appear on the stage, the u7iiforms 
need not be wet, as they will be well hidden by the folds of 
the blanket.') Can 1 help any, Mr. Harley? 

Mr. H. That's the stuff! Easy now, Billy. Feeling 
better? Here, lie down, that's the boy. (Billy, couglmig, 
lies down by fire, r.) Say, Ned, get me some ammonia from 
the kit, quick, will you ? 

Ned. Yes, sir ! Half a teaspoonful in a cup of water ? 
Gee ! I'm sorry, Billy. 

Tom. All right, Billy, old man, just a moment ! I'll 
slip this haversack under your head. More comfortable? 
You'll be fit as a fiddle in a little while. 

Dick. Holy Mike ! He looks sick ! We met Tom 
helping him. 

Mickey. Ye're looking foine, Billy, boy. 

Lankey. Say, did he try to bite you, Tom, when you 
grabbed him in the water? They most always do. What 
did he do, Harry? 

Mr. H. Hurry up, Ned, can't you find the ammonia? 
Don't be all night about it ! 

Jack. Here, take mine! {Hands cup.) Come, Billy, 
you'll be all right in a minute. Take this. 

Earl. There's too much water in it. That'll do him 
no good. Wonder if he's hurt much inside? 

Frank. Want to give it to him raw and burn his mouth 
off ! Learn your first aid, you poor simp, before you try 
any of it on me. 

Monkey. Here, Tom, take my coat. You're all soak- 
ing wet ! How did it happen anyway? 

Tom. No, thanks, Monkey, the blanket does fine. Why, 
Billy fell in and 1 yanked him out. Wasn't anything to it, 

Mr. H. Feeling any better, Billy? 

Billy {sitting up and cou^^hing a little'). Thanks, fel- 
lows, I'm fine ! {Coughs.) Don't make such a fuss. Let 
me be, can't you? I'm all right. 



A SCOUT S HONOR 25 

Mr. H. Rest a bit longer. Don't try to talk, Billy, just 
yet. It only makes you cough more. 

Billy. Where's Tom? Say, Harry, where's Tom Win- 
ters? (^Coughs. ^ I've something to say to him. 

Mr. H. Take it easy, Billy, Lots of time I Hey, there, 
you other Scouts, get after supper ! 

{The troop busy themselves getting plates , etc., from the 
haversacks. They whisper excitedly as they work.') 

Tom. Here I am. What can I do, Billy, old cheese? 
Gee-whiz ! You're a game one ! 

Harry. He sure is ! How do you feel now, Billy ? 

Billy. I'm all right, thanks. I'm feeling fine ! Look 
here, Tom, I've something I've — got to say to you {cough- 
ing), but 1 — 1 can't seem able lo put it right. {Coughs.) 
I can't — I want — oh, say, Tom, you know how I feel, don't 
you ? I just 

Tom. Shucks, Billy ! Forget it ! I understand. You'd 
do the same, first chance you got. 

Mr. H. Go easy, Billy, old chap ! 

Billy. All right, Tom, I'll not say any more about it, 
but, believe me, 1 feel a lot ! 1 — I — you might have been 
drowned getting me out ! I hope you 

Mr. H. I think 'J om understands, Billy. You needn't 
say any more. How did it happen, anyway? How did 
you come to be away from camp, Tom ? 

Tom. You see, Mr. Harley, I was mad at Billy's getting 
ahead of me to that confounded first class badge, he's so 
much smaller. That started it. Then it seemed as if this 
afternoon was about all 1 could stand, me left in camp and 
Billy going with you to the village. 1 was just a sore-head, 
so I hooked it. 

Mr. H. You deserted camp before I came back ? 
You 

Tom. Yes, Mr. Harley, I guess I did. Just that. I hid 
by the lake and watched the soldiers over at the fort. 

Mk. H. Humph ! {In a louder tone.) You left camp, 
you say, because you were angry at Billy ? Thought I had 
favored him ? Is that the trouble ? 

Tom. Well, yes, sir, that's just it. Looked as though I 
was doing all the dirty work. 

Mr. H. I see. Humph ! The mistake was mine. 
Know why I left you here ? 



26 A scout's honor 

Tom. No. I thought it was because you liked Billy — 

Mr. H. Not at all. I'll tell you why. Just because I 
saw you were all in and needed a rest. You never thought 
of that, did you, old man ? 

Tom. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Harley ! I never— — 

Mr. H. The fault was mine, but you should have had 
more sense, Tom ! Now how about Billy's rescue ? I 
haven't got that clear yet. 

Tom. Oh, that wasn't anything. Billy and Harry came 
down to the lake looking for me, and Billy slipped off the 
landing, where it was deep. I was hiding to see what they 
would do. I pulled him out. That's all. Harry helped a lot. 

Billy. Oh, Mr. Harley, it wasn't like that at all ! I 
grabbed him and fought him and pulled him down. I was 
scared and tried my best to 

Harry. Believe Billy, Mr. Harley ! I saw it all, but I 
didn't help. Tom got pulled under three or four times, but 
he kept on hanging to him and got hini out at last ! We 
started artificial respiration, and Billy came round in a min- 
ute or so, and then 1 ran to fetch you. I never saw such 

Mr. H. Tom, this will mean an honor medal, or I'm 
greatly mistaken ! 

Billy. I'm glad of that ! Oh, Tom, that's fine ! That's 
the best 

Tom. You don't understand, Mr. Harley, quite. Thanks 
just the same. You see, 1 left camp. I deserted ! You 
have to carry out the rules. I'm sorry now, but I can't take 
it, sir. 

Harry. Oh, shucks — a first honor medal ! Bully for 
you, Tom, old man I 

Mr. H. What's that? Not take an honor medal for 
life saving ? Do you 

Tom. I deserted on duty, Mr. Harley, and that's not 
all. I called Billy Palmer yellow, and I said that you were 
unfair and I lied to Harry Bolton. Oh, yes, I did ! I said 
we older Scouts broke the law and oath whenever we wanted 
to, and I hit him a bat on the jaw ! I 

Harry. Gee, Tom, I'd clean forgotten all about that in 
the excitement ! He didn't hit me hard, Mr. Harley. 

Mr. H. This is the first I've heard of it ! You never 
told me, Harry. 

Tom. Didn't he say I'd deserted? Didn't he say that 
I'd 



A SCOUT S HONOR 27 

Mr. H. Not a word ! He just asked leave to find you. 
He did the thing as 

Tom. Well ! There's another chap I've been thinking 
of in the wrong way ! Will you do me a favor, sir? I see 
I've been on the wrong tack, being jealous of Billy and all. 
Let me start fresh as a tenderfoot ? 

Mr. H. A tenderfoot? Why 

Tom. Yes, 1 mean it. I'll run this scouting lots differ- 
ent, if you'll give me a chance. You know the rules. I 
broke them. It's this or kick me out for good ! 

Mr. H. {doiun r.). Know what you're asking, Tom? 
You'll be a first class in a week or two. You'll be able — — 

Tom (down c). I know. 1 want to do it. I want to, 
really. I think ■ 

Mr. H. All right. It's hard, but I know you've chosen 
the proper course. I'm proud of you ! My fault a bit, I 
admit. Still, you did desert. Take your medicine, Tom, 
old man, since you want to, and we'll call it quits. You've 
got some sand in your make-up, boy ! 

Tom. Will you sliake, Billy ? I called you yellow. I'm 
sorry. We're not rivals, you know, now. I'm starting 
fresh — a tenderfoot again. Let's be friendly Scouts and 
work for old Bacton ! {Holds out hand?) 

Billy {ciown r.). Why, Tom, you're crazy ! {Takes 
hand.) Didn't you just save me! {Coughs.) Didn't I 
nearly pull you under for good and all ! 

{They shake hands, theji Tom hands his badge to Mr. H. 
The Scouts cheer loudly.) 

Harrv {down L.). Me, too ! I'm in on this ! Shake, 
Tom, will you ? You only made pretend to soak me, I 
know that ! You really could have knocked the jaw clean 
off me ! 

{They shake hands.) 

Scouts. Yea, Winters ! Winters ! Winters ! Bacton ! 
Bacton ! Bacton ! 

{The Scouts all try to shake hands with Tom, croivding 

round him.) 

Tom. Oh, forget it ! You fellows give me a pain ! Cut 
it out, can't you? 



28 A scout's honor 

Mr. H. That's the spirit ! Pull together, fellows, after 
this, and remember I'm back of every one of you ! Let's 
make this the best little troop of Scouts in the country ! 
Let's begin by getting the life-saving honor medal for our 
new Scout — Toin Winters, only a tenderfoot ! 

Scouts {amid great cheering'^. Yea, Winters! Yea, 
Winters ! Tenderfoot ! Tenderfoot ! Tenderfoot ! 

Mr. H. Now then, that's done. How about supper? 
Does that 

Scouts, Yum ! Yum ! 

Fats {picking up Mickey's cake a?id beginnitig to eat if 
hurriedly). First the Lions' bread, then Mickey's cake ! 
This sure has been my lucky day ! 

Mr. H. Huh ? Does that listen well to you? It does 
to Hark! There goes our dinner gong ! The sun- 
set gun over at the post ! You lie still, Billy. Patrols, at- 
tention ! Salute the colors ! 

( The patrols fall in line before their respective tents, facing 
each other. Theti^ one by one, the Scouts, led by yi^.YL.^ 
step out from the ranks and give the scout salute before 
the colors. As the bugler sounds retreat at the distant 
army post, Billy rises a?id salutes. Tom helps Iwu. 
They shake hands once more, Billy pointing toward the 
troop flag, as he grasps his friend by the hand. The cur- 
tain falls.') 



curtain 



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Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
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GRADUATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley. For six 
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playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; 
may be presented in a hall without scenery. The unusual com- 
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EXAMINATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in One Act, by Ward Macauley. Eight male 
and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. 
Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- 
tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses -to marry a 
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cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many funny answers 
to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims 
the teacher. Very easy and very effective. Price, 15 cents. 

BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- 
tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley. For four male 
and five female cJiaracters, with some supers. Time, two hours. 
Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are 
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decides to try his fortunes in New York. The last scene is in 
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THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one 
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SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment 
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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

A SURPRISE PARTY AT BRINKLEY'S. An En- 
tertainment in One Scene, by Ward Macauley, Seven male and 
seven female characters. Interior scene, or may be given with- 
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graduated from college. They all join in jolly games, songs, 
conundrums, etc., and Mary becomes engaged, which surprises 
the surprisers. The entertainment is a sure success. Price, 15 cents. 

JONES VS. JINKS. A Mock Trial in One Act, by 
Edward Mumford. Fifteen male and six female characters, with 
supernumeraries if desired. May be played all male. Many of the 
parts (members of the jury, etc.) are small. Scene, a simple 
interior; may be played without scenery. Costumes, modern. 
Time of playing, one hour. This mock trial has many novel 
features, unusual characters and quick action. Nearly every 
character has a funny entrance and laughable lines. There are 
•many rich parts, and fast fun throughout. Price, 15 cents. 

THE SIGHT-SEEING CAR. A Comedy Sketch in One 
Act, by Ernest M. Gould. For seven males, two females, or 
may be all male. Parts may be doubled, with quick changes, so 
that four persons may play the sketch. Time, forty-five minutes. 
Simple street scene. Costumes, modern. The superintendent 
of a sight-seeing automobile engages two men to run the 
machine. A Jew, a farmer, a fat lady and other humorous 
characters give them all kinds of trouble. This is a regular giit- 
ling-gun stream of rollicking repartee. Price, 15 cents. 

THE CASE OF SMYTHE VS. SMITH. An Original 
Mock Trial in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eighteen males 
and two females, or may be all male. Plays about one hour. 
Scene, a county courtroom ; requires no scenery ; may be played 
in an ordinary hall. Costumes, modern. This entertainment is 
nearly perfect of its kind, and a sure success. It can be easily 
produced in any place or on any occasion, and provides almost 
•any number of good parts. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OLD MAIDS' ASSOCIATION. A Farcical Enter- 
tainment in One Act, by Louise Latham Wilson. For thirteen 
females and one male. The male part may be played by a 
female, and the number of characters increased to twenty or 
more. Time, forty minutes. The play requires neither scenery 
nor properties, and very little in the way of costumes. Can 
easily be prepared in one or two rehearsals. Price, 25 cents. 

' BARGAIN DAY AT BLOOMSTEIN'S. A Farcical 
Entertainment in One Act, by Edward Mumford. For five males 
and ten females, with supers. Interior scene. Costumes, mod- 
ern. Time, thirty minutes. The characters and the situations 
which arise from their endeavors to buy and sell make rapid-fire 
fun from start to finish. Price, 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Successf yl Plays for All Girls 

In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This List 

YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts, 
by Mrs. E. J. H. Goodfellow. One of the most popular 
plays for girls. For nine female characters. Time in 
playing, thirty minutes. Scenery, ordinary interior. Mod- 
ern costumes. Girls in a boarding-school, learning that a 
young doctor is coming to vaccinate all the pupils, eagerly con- 
sult each other as to the manner of fascinating the physician. 
When the doctor appears upon the scene the pupils discover that 
the physician is a female practitioner. Price, 15 cents. 

SISTER MASONS. A Burlesque in One Act, by Frank 
DuMONT. For eleven females. Time, thirty minutes. Costumes, 
fantastic gowns, or dominoes. Scene, interior. A grand expose 
of Masonry. Some women profess to learn the secrets of a 
Masonic lodge by hearing their husbands talk in their sleep, 
and they institute a similar organization. Price, 15 cents. 

A COMMANDING POSITION. A Farcical Enter- 
tainment, by Amelia Sanford. For seven female char- 
acters and ten or more other ladies and children. Time, one 
hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one street 
scene. Marian Young gets tired living with her aunt. Miss 
Skinflint. She decides to "attain a commanding position." 
Marian tries hospital nursing, college settlement work and 
school teaching, but decides to go back to housework. Price, 15 
cents. 

HOW A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For ten female characters. 
Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modern. 
Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the 
deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it they must win 
the approval of Harold's uncle, now in Europe, or lose a possible 
ten thousand a year. At a tea Mabel meets her dearest friend. 
Maude sees Mabel has a secret, she coaxes and Mabel tells her. 
But Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another 
friend and so the secret travels. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy In Three Acts, 
by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female 
characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter- 
iors at a seaside hotel. Costumes, modern. The action of the 
play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to 
chaperon herself, poses as a widow, and Miss Oxford first claims 
her as a sister-in-law, then denounces her. The onerous duties 
of Miss Oxford, who attempts to serve as chaperon to Miss 
Howe and Miss Ashton in the face of many obstacles, furnish 
an evening of rare enjoyment. Price 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 




The Power of E 

"0 017 373 275 2 

Expression and efficiency go hand in hand. 

The power of clear and forceful expression brings confi- 
dence and poise at all times — in private gatherings, in public 
discussion, in society, in business. 

It is an invaluable asset to any man or woman. It can often 
be turned into money, but it is always a real joy. 

In learning to express thought, we learn to command 
thought itself, and thought is power. You can have this 
power if you will. 

Whoever has the power of clear expression is always sure 
of himself. , 

Jhe power of expression leads to: 

The ability to think "on your feef ^ 

Successful public speaking 

Effective recitals 

The mastery over other minds 

Social prominence 

Business success 

Efficiency in any undertaking 

Are these things worth while? 

They are all successfully taught at The National School of 
Elocution and Oratory, which during many years has de- 
veloped this power in hundreds of men and women. 

A catalogue giving full information as to how any of these 
accomplishments may be attained will be sent free on request 

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF 
ELOCUTION AND ORATORY 

Parkway Building Philadelphia 



